Page 125 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 125
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-129-2.123-130
Elderly and dietary supplements:
Benefits and Risks
Katja Kramberger, Darja Barlič-Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
katja.kramberger@fvz.upr.si, darja.maganja@fvz.upr.si
Abstract
Introduction: A large percentage of older adults do not receive
recommended amounts of many nutrients from food alone. Due to
increased awareness of the importance of nutrition to health, along
with the advertising and over-the-counter accessibility of the dietary
supplements, their use is increasing among the elderly. The purpose of
this review is to determine the major benefits of dietary supplementation
specific to older adults, as well as to highlight the potential risks that
may occur with their use. Methods: PubMed database and the world
wide web were searched with mesh terms »prehranska dopolnila« –
»dietary/food supplements«, »starostniki« – »elderly«, »zakonodaja«
– »legislation«, »interakcije« – »interactions« and their combinations.
English language articles published after 2000 were included in narrative
review, as well as electronic sources regarding legislation in Slovenia
and Europe. Results and discussion: Under certain circumstances, i.e.
nutrient deficiencies, older adults may benefit from supplementation.
Clinical studies have indicated a possible reduction in the risk of
developing age-related diseases among older people who reported
long-term use of multivitamin supplements. Higher plasma levels of
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been associated with
fewer cardiovascular deaths in older people taking omega-3 supplements.
Dietary protein supplementation combined with physical activity had
a strong effect in preventing age-related muscle mass attenuation and
leg strength loss in older people. Finally, beneficial effects of purified
flavonoids on cognitive function have been reported in some studies.
Although there are potential benefits to taking supplements, there are
also potential drawbacks. In addition to the increased risk of nutrient
overdose, concomitant use of dietary supplements and prescription
medications is common in this population and can increase the risk
for drug-nutrient interactions and adverse events. Particular caution
Elderly and dietary supplements:
Benefits and Risks
Katja Kramberger, Darja Barlič-Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
katja.kramberger@fvz.upr.si, darja.maganja@fvz.upr.si
Abstract
Introduction: A large percentage of older adults do not receive
recommended amounts of many nutrients from food alone. Due to
increased awareness of the importance of nutrition to health, along
with the advertising and over-the-counter accessibility of the dietary
supplements, their use is increasing among the elderly. The purpose of
this review is to determine the major benefits of dietary supplementation
specific to older adults, as well as to highlight the potential risks that
may occur with their use. Methods: PubMed database and the world
wide web were searched with mesh terms »prehranska dopolnila« –
»dietary/food supplements«, »starostniki« – »elderly«, »zakonodaja«
– »legislation«, »interakcije« – »interactions« and their combinations.
English language articles published after 2000 were included in narrative
review, as well as electronic sources regarding legislation in Slovenia
and Europe. Results and discussion: Under certain circumstances, i.e.
nutrient deficiencies, older adults may benefit from supplementation.
Clinical studies have indicated a possible reduction in the risk of
developing age-related diseases among older people who reported
long-term use of multivitamin supplements. Higher plasma levels of
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been associated with
fewer cardiovascular deaths in older people taking omega-3 supplements.
Dietary protein supplementation combined with physical activity had
a strong effect in preventing age-related muscle mass attenuation and
leg strength loss in older people. Finally, beneficial effects of purified
flavonoids on cognitive function have been reported in some studies.
Although there are potential benefits to taking supplements, there are
also potential drawbacks. In addition to the increased risk of nutrient
overdose, concomitant use of dietary supplements and prescription
medications is common in this population and can increase the risk
for drug-nutrient interactions and adverse events. Particular caution
